Charles James: Beyond Fashion at The Met

June 5, 2014

Fashion, the ultimate form of expressing yourself, has taken a new name at The Met- The Anna Wintour Costume Center. The previously named Costume Institute responsible for annual exhibitions of iconic fashions in history has a new leader and namesake.

Per tradition, the exhibition opened after The Met Gala, an Oscars of fashion for celebrities and designers alike. The red carpet to end all red carpets, the stars walked and smiled and posed for thousands in person and millions online (what’s 2014 without live streaming?).

The theme of the gala was White Tie and Decorations. The exhibit is an homage to American designer Charles James entitled Beyond Fashion. Only known to the highest in the ranks of fashion and an inspiration to Christian Dior himself, Charles James was a supposed perfectionist and visionary. His ideas and creations were years ahead of other designers, and while some focused on a lifestyle in their clothes he narrowed in on how a gown fit. That’s not to say his clothes didn’t require a certain lifestyle, ball gowns are quite the fashion statement if not worn to an equally swanky party.

While the celebrities saw it first at the inaugural opening, you too can peruse the couture and peek inside the legendary designer’s creative process at The Met.

Incorporating high tech into the exhibit with videos and demonstrations, we expect this year’s display to gain more traction than the previous flops of Punk and the Prada/Schiaparelli comparison.

What’s more is that The Met has a suggested donation amount of $25 but you can give a dollar and they will let you in. Where else can you get so close to exquisite creations for a dollar?

The exhibit is on display until August 10th, so travel like the VIPs do with Seastreak and immerse yourself in all things couture.